New Radiological Corticalization Index as an Indicator of Implant Success Rate Depending on Prosthetic Restoration-5 Years of Follow-Up.

The new Radiological Corticalization Index (CI) is an indicator that describes bone remodeling near the dental implant's neck at the pixel level and is not visible to the naked eye. The aim of this research was to evaluate the correlation between the CI and bone remodeling using only radiographic (RTG) images. RTG samples were divided into groups depending on prosthetic restoration; the implant neck area around dental implants was examined, and texture features of the RTG images were analyzed. The study also investigated the type of prosthetic restoration and its influence as a factor on bone structure. The statistical analysis included evaluating feature distribution, comparing means (t-test) or medians (W-test), and performing a regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis test, as no normal distribution or between-group variance was indicated for the significant differences in the investigated groups. Differences or relationships were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. The research revealed correlations between single crowns, overdenture restoration, bridge restoration, platform switching, prosthetic fracture, CI, and also marginal bone loss where p was lower than 0.05. However, the corticalization phenomenon itself has not yet been fully explored. The findings suggest that, depending on the type of prosthetic restoration, the corticalization index may correlate with marginal bone loss or not. Further research is necessary, as the index is suspected to not be homogeneous.

The Influence of Genetic Polymorphic Variability of the Catechol-O-methyltransferase Gene in a Group of Patients with a Diagnosis of Behavioural Addiction, including Personality Traits.

Gambling Disorder (GD) is characterised by a harmful, enduring, and recurrent involvement in betting-related behaviours. Therefore, GD shares similar biological mechanisms and symptoms to substance use disorders (SUD). Therefore, in this study, we chose the behavioural addictions group. During the examination and recruitment to the study, it turned out that all the people undergoing treatment for gambling addiction were also addicted to amphetamines, which is consistent with the biological mechanism related to cerebral neurotransmission. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of the COMT gene polymorphism with behavioral addiction. The study group consisted of 307 participants: 107 men with gambling disorder and amphetamine dependency (mean age = 27.51, SD = 5.25) and 200 non-addicted, nor dependent, free from neuro-psychiatric disorders control group men (mean age = 20.20, SD = 4.51). Both groups were subjected to psychometric evaluation using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood following standard protocols. Determination of the rs4680 polymorphism in the COMT gene was performed using the real-time PCR technique. Statistically significant differences in the frequency of rs4680 genotypes were found in the tested sample of subjects compared with the control group (p = 0.03543). Subjects with gambling disorder and amphetamine use disorder compared to the control group obtained higher scores in the assessment of the STAI trait scale (p = 0.0019), state scale (p < 0.0000), and NEO-FFI Neuroticism scale (p < 0.0000). Significantly lower results were obtained for the NEO-FFI Agreeability scale (p < 0.0000). Additionally, a significant statistical impact of gambling disorder and amphetamine use disorder, and the COMT rs4680 genotype was demonstrated for the score of the STAI trait (p = 0.0351) and state (p = 0.0343) and the NEO-FFI Conscientiousness scale (p = 0.0018). We conclude that COMT and its polymorphic variant influence the development of addiction. Still, considering its multifactorial and polygenic nature, it should be combined with other factors such as personality.

The Effects of EEG Biofeedback Training on Visual Reaction Time in Judo Athletes.

The aim of the study was to expand the current knowledge on the effects of EEG biofeedback training on the reaction time of judo athletes, as well as to develop an optimal EEG training protocol in terms of the number of sessions and their duration that would significantly improve the reaction time of athletes. The study included 24 male athletes from the national team of the Polish Judo Association. The selected group was randomly divided into two subgroups: experimental and control. The study was conducted in four cycles varying in terms of frequency and duration of neurofeedback (NFB) sessions, both in the control and experimental groups. In the experimental group, each training cycle consisted of 15 sessions, followed by a four-week break. The effects of NFB training on the visual reaction time of judo athletes were evaluated using computerized simple and complex reaction time tests along with selected trials of the Vienna Test System (VTS). Following NFB training according to the theta/beta1 protocol, while maintaining appropriate duration and frequency of individual training sessions, statistically significant improvements in reaction times to visual stimuli of athletes, both in simple and complex tasks, were observed in the experimental group. No such changes were found in the control group. The greatest improvement in reaction times was observed in complex tasks, indicating the high effectiveness of EEG biofeedback training in enhancing this ability.

Genetic Factors of Teeth Impaction: Polymorphic and Haplotype Variants of PAX9, MSX1, AXIN2, and IRF6 Genes.

In recent research, there has been a growing awareness of the role of genetic factors in the positioning and eruption of teeth in the maxilla and mandible. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of specific polymorphic markers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within the PAX9, MSX1, AXIN2, and IRF6 genes to determine the predisposition to tooth impaction. The study participants were divided into two groups: the first group consisted of individuals with at least one impacted secondary tooth. In contrast, the second group (control group) had no impacted teeth in their jaws. To analyze the genes, real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and TaqMan probes were utilized to detect the selected polymorphisms. The findings suggest that disruptions in the structure and function of the mentioned genetic factors such as polymorphic and haplotype variants of PAX9, MSX1, AXIN2, and IRF6 genes, which play a direct role in tooth and periodontal tissue development, might be significant factors in tooth impaction in individuals with genetic variations. Therefore, it is reasonable to hypothesize that tooth impaction may be influenced, at least in part, by the presence of specific genetic markers, including different allelic variants of the PAX9, AXIN2, and IRF6 genes, and especially MSX1.

Is Corticalization in Radiographs Related to a Higher Risk of Bone Loss around Dental Implants in Smoking Patients? A 5-Year Observation of Radiograph Bone-Texture Changes.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the topic of dental implants is widely researched. However, still compromising are the factors that can affect implant loss as a consequence of marginal bone loss. One of the factors is smoking, which has a devastating effect on human health and bone structure. Oral health and jaw condition are also negatively affected by smoking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the peri-implant jawbone corticalization phenomenon in tobacco smokers. METHODS: A total of 2196 samples from 768 patients with an implant in the neck area were checked, and texture features were analyzed. The corticalization phenomenon was investigated. All analyses were performed in MaZda Software. The influence of corticalization was investigated as a factor on bone structure near the implant neck. The statistical analysis included a feature distribution evaluation, mean (t-test) or median (W-test) comparison, analysis of regression and one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis test as no normal distribution or between-group variance was indicated for the significant differences in the investigated groups. Detected differences or relationships were assumed to be statistically significant when p < 0.05. RESULTS: The research revealed that MBL was correlated with smoking after 5 years (0.42 mm ± 1.32 mm 0 mm ± 1.25 mm), the Corticalization Index was higher in the smoker group on the day of surgery, and it became higher after 5y of observation (185.98 ± 90.8 and 243.17 ± 155.47). The implant-loss frequency was higher in the group of smokers, too, compared to non-smokers (6.74% and 2.87%). The higher the torque value during the implant placement, the higher the Corticalization Phenomenon Index. CONCLUSIONS: The research revealed a correlation between smoking and changes in bone structure in radio textures near the implants. The corticalization phenomenon is important, may be detected immediately after implant placement and may be one of the indicators of the implant success rate.

Evaluation of the Value of Perfusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Differential Diagnosis of Sellar and Parasellar Tumors.

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) in the differential diagnosis of sellar and parasellar tumors, as an additional sequence in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol. Analysis was based on a substantial group of subjects and included 124 brain and pituitary MRI examinations with a dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) PWI sequence. The following perfusion parameters were determined for the tumors: relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), relative peak height (rPH) and relative percentage of signal intensity recovery (rPSR). To ensure greater repeatability, each of the aforementioned parameters was calculated as: arithmetic mean of the values of the whole tumor, arithmetic mean of the maximum values on each axial slice within the tumor and maximum values derived from the whole tumor. In our study, we established that meningiomas compared to both non-functional and hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas (pituitary neuroendocrine tumors-PitNET) had significantly higher values of rCBV with cut-off points set at 3.45 and 3.54, respectively (mean rCBV). Additionally, meningiomas presented significantly higher maximum and mean maximum rPH values compared to adenomas. DSC PWI imaging adds significant value to conventional MRI examinations and can be helpful in differentiating equivocal pituitary tumors.

Oral Mucosa Status in Patients with End-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis.

There are reports in the literature of interrelationships between chronic kidney disease and periodontitis pathophysiology; similar risk factors play a role in these conditions. Due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), patients on hemodialysis (HD) are more susceptible to developing pathological processes in the gingiva, periodontium, and oral mucosa. This study aimed to evaluate the condition of the oral cavity, with particular attention to lesions of the oral mucosa of patients with end-stage renal disease in Poland, West Pomeranian Voivodship. A case-control study assessed oral health in 200 Polish subjects, including 100 dialysis-station patients who constituted the study group (HD) and 100 healthy patients who formed the control group (K). The physical examination consisted of a general medical and dental history. Evaluation of the oral mucosa included detailed noting of the type of lesions, nature of complaints, and their location. The results showed a higher prevalence of oral lesions highlighting oral mucosal pathology in patients with HD than in group K. Most common symptoms reported by patients with CKD (HD) were xerostomia, taste disorders, and burning mouth. These findings highlight the need to implement comprehensive multispecialty care in patients with chronic systemic diseases.

Are Torque-Induced Bone Texture Alterations Related to Early Marginal Jawbone Loss?

The reason why marginal bone loss (MBL) occurs after dental implant insertion without loading has not yet been clearly investigated. There are publications that confirm or reject the notion that there are factors that induce marginal bone loss, but no research investigates what exactly occurs in the bone surrounding the implant neck. In this study, 2196 samples of dental implant neck bone radiographs were analyzed. The follow-up period was 3 months without functional loading of the implant. Marginal bone loss was evaluated in relation to the torque used during the final phase of implant insertion. Radiographic texture features were also analyzed and evaluated. The analyses were performed individually for the anterior and posterior part of the alveolar crest in both the mandible and maxilla. After 3 months, an MBL relation with higher torque (higher than 40 Ncm; p < 0.05) was observed, but only in the lower jaw. The texture features Sum Average (SumAverg), Entropy, Difference Entropy (DifEntr), Long-Run Emphasis (LngREmph), Short-Run Emphasis (ShrtREmph), and discrete wavelet decomposition transform features were changed over time. This study presents that MBL is related to the torque value during dental implant insertion and the location of the procedure. The increasing values of SumAverg and LngREmph correlated with MBL, which were 64.21 to 64.35 and 1.71 to 2.01, respectively. The decreasing values of Entr, DifEntr, and ShrtREmph also correlated with MBL, which were 2.58 to 2.47, 1.11 to 1.01, and 0.88 to 0.84, respectively. The analyzed texture features may become good indicators of MBL in digital dental surgery.

Association of Polymorphism CHRNA5 and CHRNA3 Gene in People Addicted to Nicotine.

Smoking is a chronic and relapsing addictive trait that harms public health. Among the many identified genetic variants of nicotine dependence, the variants in the CHRNA5/A3/B4 gene cluster on chromosome 15 that encode the α5, α3, and ß4 subunits have recently received a lot of attention. Importantly, variants in this gene cluster have been associated with nicotine addiction. Among the many significant variants in this cluster, the polymorphism SNP rs16969968 seems to be the most interesting factor in nicotine addiction. This polymorphism causes an amino acid change from aspartate to asparagine at position 398 of the α5 nicotinic receptor protein sequence. Our study aimed to analyze three polymorphic variants: the rs16969968 located in the CHRNA5 gene, the rs578776 and rs1051730 located in the CHRNA3 gene in nicotine-addicted subjects, and in controls. Our study encompasses an association analysis of genotypes and haplotypes. A group of 401 volunteers was recruited for the study and divided into two groups: the study group consisted of addicted smokers and a control group of 200 unrelated non-smokers who were not dependent on any substance and healthy. A statistically significant difference was observed in the frequency of genotypes of the rs1051730 polymorphism of the CHRNA3 gene (χ2 = 6.704 p = 0.035). The T/T genotype was statistically significantly more frequent in the group of nicotine-dependent subjects. The haplotypes rs16969968, rs578776, and rs1051730 were distinguished, of which the G-T-T and G-C-T haplotypes were present only in the study group. With differences in frequencies, statistical significance was noted-for the G-T-T haplotype p = 0.01284 and the G-C-T haplotype p = 0.00775. The research stated that novel haplotypes G-T-T and G-C-T, though with very low-frequency variants in CHRNA3, were associated with nicotine addiction.

Impact of movement tempo on bar velocity and time under tension in resistance exercises with different external loads.

The goal of the study was to determine the differences between volitional and maximal movement tempo during resistance exercise. Ten healthy men volunteered for the study (age = 26.4 ± 4.8 years; body mass = 93.8 ± 9.6 kg; barbell squat one-repetition maximum (1RM) = 175 ± 16.7 kg; bench press 1RM = 140.5 ± 26.8 kg). In a randomized order, the participants performed six sets of the barbell squat and the bench press exercise at progressive loads from 40% to 90%1RM (step by 10%) under two testing conditions: with volitional movement tempo or with maximal movement tempo. The three-way repeated measures ANOVA showed a statistically significant multi-interaction effect for time under tension (p < 0.001), peak bar velocity (p = 0.04) and for mean bar velocity (p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant main effect of movement tempo for time under tension (p < 0.001), peak bar velocity (p < 0.001) and for mean bar velocity (p < 0.001). The post hoc analysis for main effect of tempo revealed that time under tension was significantly longer for volitional compared to maximal tempo (0.84 vs 0.67 s, respectively), peak bar velocity was significantly higher for maximal compared to volitional tempo (1.24 m/s vs 0.90 m/s, respectively), and mean bar velocity was significant higher for maximal compared to volitional tempo (0.84 m/s vs 0.67 m/s, respectively). The presented results indicate that there were significant differences between volitional and maximal movement tempos in time under tension and bar velocity (peak and mean), as well as significant differences in those variables between the two exercises. Therefore, the velocity of movement and time under tension is related to movement tempo, external load and type of exercise used.

Application of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) in diagnostic imaging of brain pathologies - a practical approach.

Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) has been broadly incorporated to MR protocols as it provides unique additional diagnostic information in a wide variety of neurological conditions. SWI exploits local field inhomogeneities created by various paramagnetics (deoxyhaemoglobin, blood breakdown products), diamagnetics (calcium) or oxygenated blood, hereby provides contrast based on magnetic susceptibility. In this review we present various examples from everyday clinical practice including, among others, acute stroke, neurodegenerative disorders, haemorrhagic lesions, vascular malformations, mycotic intracranial aneurysm, primary central nervous system vasculitis, neoplasms in which SWI was essential for diagnosis. The strongest indications for SWI applications are the neurodegenerative and neuro-vascular diseases, therefore this review is aimed at a wide range of clinicians, mainly neurologists, neurosurgeons and radiologists.

Evaluation of Common Factors of Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with the Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease causing inflammatory destruction of supporting structures of the dentition and eventually leading to its loss. This study was designed to evaluate common risk factors for periodontitis and acute coronary syndrome in the study population and demonstrate the systemic impact of periodontitis on the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome. A total of 160 patients (35 female and 125 male) were enrolled in the study. Considering the age range, the largest group of patients (118 patients) was between 55 and 65 years, which accounted for 73.8% of the total study population. There were 35 patients (21.9%) in the age group of 45 to 54 years, while the youngest age group of 35 to 44 years had as many as seven patients. Medical history and physical examination, including periodontal status, were performed. API, PD, CAL, and CPITN were evaluated. Common risk factors for periodontitis and acute coronary syndrome were assessed. The study assessed risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, general health, smoking, height, weight, and hip circumference. In light of the above-described etiopathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease and its association with periodontal disease, it is important to emphasize preventing and treating periodontitis, especially in patients in the so-called high-risk group for cardiovascular disease. Dentists' introduction of an appropriate prophylactic and therapeutic plan may constitute both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Transmission Distortion of MCT1 rs1049434 among Polish Elite Athletes.

BACKGROUND: To date, nearly 300 genetic markers were linked to endurance and power/strength traits. The current study aimed to compare genotype distributions and allele frequencies of the common polymorphisms: MCT1 rs1049434, NRF2 rs12594956, MYBPC3 rs1052373 and HFE rs1799945 in Polish elite athletes versus nonathletes. METHODS: The study involved 101 male elite Polish athletes and 41 healthy individuals from the Polish population as a control group. SNP data were extracted from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) performed using the following parameters: paired reads of 150 bps, at least 90 Gb of data per sample with 300 M reads and 30× mean coverage. RESULTS: All the analyzed polymorphisms conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in athletes and the control group, except the MCT1 rs1049434, where allele T was over-represented in the elite trainers' group. No significant between-group differences were found for analyzed polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS: The MCT1 rs1049434 transmission distortion might be characteristic of Polish athletes and the effect of strict inclusion criteria. This result and the lack of statistically significant changes in the frequency of other polymorphisms between the groups might result from the small group size.

Serotonin Receptor HTR3A Gene Polymorphisms rs1985242 and rs1062613, E-Cigarette Use and Personality.

We nowadays record growing numbers of e-cigarette users. The development of nicotine dependence is a result of many factors, including genetics and personality. In this study we analyzed two polymorphisms-rs1985242 and rs1062613-in the serotonin receptor HTR3A gene in a group of e-cigarette users (n = 135) and controls (n = 106). Personality traits were measured using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory. The comparison of e-cigarette users with the control group indicates that the former showed significantly higher scores on the neuroticism scale and lower scores on the scales of extraversion and conscientiousness of the NEO-FFI. Homozygote variants of rs1985242 were more frequent in the study group. The results of the 2 × 3 factorial ANOVA for e-cigarette users and the control group as well as interaction between the HTR3A rs1985242 variants were found for the NEO-FFI conscientiousness scale. These results allow us to conclude that the combination of psychological factors and genetic data creates a possibility for making more complete models of substance use disorders.

Ischemia during rest intervals between sets prevents decreases in fatigue during the explosive squat exercise: a randomized, crossover study.

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of ischemia, used only before particular sets of a lower limb resistance exercise on power output. Ten healthy resistance-trained males (age = 26 ± 6 years; body mass = 90 ± 9 kg; training experience = 9 ± 7 years) performed two experimental sessions (with ischemia; control without ischemia) following a randomized crossover design. During the ischemic condition, the cuffs were inflated to 60% of arterial occlusion pressure. The cuffs were applied before each set for 4.5 min and released 30 s before the start of the set as the reperfusion (4.5 min ischemia + 0.5 min reperfusion). In the control condition, ischemia was not applied. During the experimental sessions, the subjects performed the Keiser machine squat exercise protocol which consisted of 5 sets of two repetitions, at a load of 60% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), with 5 min rest intervals between sets. The repetitions were performed with maximal velocity. The two-way repeated-measures ANOVA showed a statistically significant interaction effect for power output (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.26). There was also a statistically significant main effect of condition for power output (p = 0.02; η2 = 0.40). The post hoc analysis for interaction did not show significant differences between conditions in particular sets. The post hoc analysis for the main effect of the condition revealed that power output was significantly lower in the control group compared to the group where ischemic was used (p = 0.02). The t-test comparisons for particular sets showed a significant lower power output in set 3 (p = 0.03); set 4 (p < 0.01) and set 5 (p < 0.01) for the control condition when compared to the ischemic condition. The results indicate that ischemia applied before each set and released 30 s prior to the start of the squat exercise did not increase power output performance. However, we observed a significantly lower decline in power for the ischemic condition (4.5 min ischemia + 0.5 min reperfusion) in sets 3-5 compared to the control condition. Thus repeated ischemia with reperfusion used between sets can be an effective form of performance enhancement by preventing or at least diminishing fatigue during resistance exercise.

Colostrum-Induced Temporary Changes in the Expression of Proteins Regulating the Epithelial Barrier Function in the Intestine.

The intestinal wall and epithelial cells are interconnected by numerous intercellular junctions. Colostrum (Col), in its natural form, is a secretion of the mammary gland of mammals at the end of pregnancy and up to 72 h after birth. Recently, it has been used as a biologically active dietary supplement with a high content of lactoferrin (Lf). Lf, a glycoprotein with a broad spectrum of activity, is becoming more popular in health-promoting supplements. This study aims to investigate whether Col supplementation can affect small and large intestine morphology by modulating the expression of selected proteins involved in tissue integrity. We examined the thickness of the epithelium, and the length of the microvilli, and assessed the expression of CDH1, CDH2, CTNNB, CX43, VCL, OCLN, HP, MYH9, and ACTG2 gene levels using qRT-PCR and at the protein level using IHC. Additionally, to evaluate whether the effect of Col supplementation is temporary or persistent, we performed all analyses on tissues collected from animals receiving Col for 1, 3, or 6 months. We noticed a decrease in CDH1 and CDH2 expression, especially after 3 months of supplementation in the large intestine and in CTNNB in the small intestine as well as increased levels of CX43 and CTNNB1 in the small intestine. The present data indicate that Col can temporarily alter some components of the cell adhesion molecules involved in the formation of the cellular barrier.

Quality of Life in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis.

End-stage renal disease and hemodialysis therapy cause a number of changes, not only somatic but also psychosocial, including the patient's perception and assessment of their quality of life. The literature describes predispositions to pathologies in the oral mucosa, craniofacial bones, teeth, and surrounding tissues in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to determine the quality of life of hemodialysis patients in comparison with healthy subjects. The study group consisted of 200 subjects: the HD group (hemodialysis patients, n = 100) and the K group (control group, n = 100). General health and oral status were assessed using the following indices: plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and clinical adhesion level. The WHOQOL-BREF survey was performed to determine both groups' overall quality of life. The results showed lower values of assessed quality-of-life parameters in hemodialysis patients compared to the control group, especially in the somatic sphere. General diseases such as oral mycosis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and coronary-artery disease negatively impact the perceived quality of life. There are numerous indications for comprehensive psychological care of hemodialysis patients due to their poor psychosocial status.

Comparison of the Treatment Efficacy of Endo-Perio Lesions Using a Standard Treatment Protocol and Extended by Using a Diode Laser (940 nm).

Marginal and periapical periodontal diseases cause massive destruction of tooth tissues and surrounding tissues, such as alveolar bone and maxillary sinus floor, visible on radiographs. Lesions involving the apical and marginal periodontium are endo-perio (EPL) lesions. This study aimed to compare the treatment efficacy of endo-perio lesions using a standard treatment protocol and a standard diode laser-assisted treatment protocol. The 12 patients were divided into the study (a) and control (b) group. Periodontal indices, tooth vitality and mobility, occlusal status, and radiographic diagnosis were evaluated. Standard EPL treatment was then performed-without (a) and with (b) the use of diode laser (940 nm). Again, after six months, the above-mentioned parameters were evaluated and compared. The treatment of endo-perio lesions is a significant challenge for modern dentistry. Diode lasers are increasingly used in addition to traditional treatment methods. The conventional use of a 940 nm diode laser with an average power of 0.8 W in pulsed mode allows for the depth of periodontal pockets to be reduced. In addition, the use of a diode laser has a significant effect on tooth mobility and reduces bone loss.

The Evaluation of the Periodontal Status of Hemodialysis Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasingly common condition observed in developing countries. Similarly, a high prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis is observed. There are reports in the literature about the interrelationship between chronic kidney disease and periodontitis pathophysiology. This dissertation attempts to: assess the extent of gingivitis and periodontitis in a group of patients with the end-stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis compared to healthy subjects. The study included 200 subjects: 100 hemodialysis patients (HD) and 100 healthy control subjects (K). Periodontal status was assessed by measuring pocket depth (PD) clinical level of connective tissue attachment (CAL). Gingival inflammation indices Gingival Index (GI) and Bleeding on Probing (BOP) were also performed. PD with a depth of more than 6mm was found in 25% of the HD group and 5% of the K group. CAL ≥ 5 mm was found in 55% of HD and 24% of the K group. As defined by Page and Eke, severe periodontitis was found in 21% of HD, and 4% of K. Moderate gingivitis was noted in 55% of HD and 5% of the K group. The mean values of the BOP index in the HD group were 32.08% and in the K group 3.09%. The HD group had a higher incidence and severity of gingivitis and periodontitis than the control group.

Relationship Among the Change of Direction Ability, Sprinting, Jumping Performance, Aerobic Power and Anaerobic Speed Reserve: A Cross-Sectional Study in Elite 3x3 Basketball Players.

The main purpose of this study was to determine the relationships among sprinting performance, change of direction ability (COD), change of direction deficit (CODD), and aerobic power expressed by maximal oxygen velocity (VmaxIFT), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) as well as jumping performance (countermovement jump with (CMJa) and without an arm swing (CMJ)) in elite 3x3 basketball players. A total of 15 Polish Olympic 3x3 team players (age: 26.86 ± 8.28 years; body height: 191 ± 5.33 cm; body mass: 90.68 ± 10.03 kg, basketball experience: 15.53 ± 5.8 years) participated in the study. Athletes were tested for the following measures: the linear speed at the first section (5 m), the second section (9 m), the third section (10 m) and total distance (24 m), two sets; the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (first session); COD speed by the Change of Direction and Acceleration Test (CODAT) (the same sections and total distance as in the linear speed test), five repetitions, two sets; and jumping performance by the CMJ with and without an arm swing (second session). CODD was calculated by subtracting the COD speed time from linear speed time at adequate sections and total distance. Maximal sprinting speed (MSS), maximal aerobic velocity (VmaxIFT), and anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) were also considered. Anaerobic Speed Reserve (ASR) was calculated as the difference between MSS and VmaxIFT. A Pearson's correlation test was used to determine the relationship between power-speed-related variables and CODD, final velocity attained at the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (VmaxIFT), ASR, and COD performance. Moderate to strong correlations were registered between COD and linear speed at 5, 10, and 24 m, while moderate to strong negative correlations were detected between COD, CODD, and CMJ, CMJa. Moreover, moderate to strong correlations were observed between COD, CODD, and VmaxIFT, MSS at 9, 10, and 24 m sprints. No relationship was detected between COD, CODD, LS, and ASR in any measured sector. Finally, statistically significant differences were registered in COD and CODD between trial 1 and trial 2.